“They’re not gonna stop,” Smith said shaking her head.
Utica Phoenix Media multimedia journalist Ron Klopfanstein is a finalist in the Print/Digital News Feature of Series category at the 46th annual Professional Recognition Awards of the Syracuse Press Club, which will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024. His series entitled “When They Come For One of Us” consists of four articles about the ways the local LGBTQ community is fighting back against the hate movement. This is the first nomination for both Ron Klopfanstein and Utica Phoenix Media.
He began writing this series of stories in April 2023 when he covered the Transgender Day of Visibility Rally in Utica, NY. The story, “When They Come for One of Us: Central New York Rallies for the Transgender Day of Visibility,” is located here: https://uticaphoenix.net/when-
One of the people Klopfanstein met at the rally was Abby McArthur, who told him she had started the Herkimer County Pride Alliance after her child came out as non-binary. That story, “The Good Mother: How Abby McArthur Found the Courage to Fight for Transgender Youth in a Town Without Pity,” is located here: https://uticaphoenix.net/the-
The third story in the series “Freedom to Read Rally For Education and Equality Draws Enthusiastic Community Support” was written after he was personally targeted and harassed by the anti-LGBTQ extremist group Moms for Liberty. It is about a rally to counter their hateful rhetoric. That story is located here: https://uticaphoenix.net/
He concluded the series of LGBTQ+ themed pieces with a story about the Coming Out Day celebration at Utica University, where he teaches English as an adjunct professor. The story “Utica University Celebrates Coming Out Day” is located here: https://uticaphoenix.net/
About Ron Klopfanstein
Ron Klopfanstein is a Multimedia journalist, news and features editor, and creative content producer for Utica Phoenix Media’s digital platform (UticaPhoenix.net) and 95.5 FM’s “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He is also the producer and host of Hot Seat: Media Monday, a weekly radio and YouTube series in which writers, performers, and content creators discuss the arts, culture, and popular culture. In addition to his work as a journalist and broadcaster, Ron Klopfanstein works full-time as a middle school English Language Arts teacher and part-time as a college English instructor.
About Utica Phoenix Media
In a league of its own, Utica Phoenix is the only Black-owned, independent news source in the Central New York region. The Utica Phoenix brings value to the Utica/Rome area with a platform built on diverse voices. The stories published on the digital platform UticaPhoenix.net and broadcast on 95.5 FM “The Heat” represent minority and multi-cultural perspectives on local, state, and national news.
Visionary, activist, and lifetime supporter of the arts, Cassandra Harris Lockwood, has always been committed to creating spaces where people from all walks of life can connect and share community. Platforms such as Utica Phoenix, For the Good (Inc), and 95.5 FM “The Heat” display Cassandra’s dedication to this mission.
About the Syracuse Press Club’s Annual Professional Recognition Awards Contest
For 40 years, Central New York journalists have submitted their best work in TV, radio, print, online, and college news to the contest. Each spring, the club recognizes reporters, editors, and photographers from across the region at a celebration held in Syracuse.
The contest is open to journalists working in and published within 21 counties across New York State. Press clubs from across the country select the nominees (finalists) for each category, then choose the winners and honorable mentions from among the select few finalists.
About the Syracuse Press Club
The Syracuse Press Club was founded in 1951. Its members are journalists, educators, students, and communications professionals working in local Central New York print, radio, television, and digital media.
Complete List of Finalists
